NHL Player News

Ekman-Larsson posted two assists, four shots on goal, two blocked shots, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Kings.

Ekman-Larsson helped out on the Maple Leafs' second and third goals in the first period. While both of those helpers were at even strength, Ekman-Larsson's fantasy value has received a boost with him playing on the top power-play unit. He's at three helpers, 15 shots on net, five hits, five blocked shots, four PIM and a plus-3 rating over four contests this season, but he could be in line for a big year if he continues to get significant minutes with the man advantage.

Rielly scored a goal and added two PIM in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Kings.

Rielly has a goal and an assist through four games this season. He's added eight shots on net, eight blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. Unfortunately for his fantasy managers, Rielly has more frequently been on the second power-play unit, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson quarterbacks the first unit. Rielly still gets plenty of time with Toronto's top players in a top-four role at even strength, which gives him a safe floor in fantasy.

Martinez (lower body) will miss Thursday's home game versus San Jose, Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN reports.

Martinez will be evaluated by the Chicago training staff and more should be known Friday. Martinez signed a one-year contract with the Blackhawks in the offseason after playing parts of the last five seasons with the Golden Knights. Martinez has an assist, four shots on goal and 15 blocked shots in four games this season. Nolan Allan is slated to take Martinez's place in the lineup alongside Connor Murphy on the third pairing.

Spurgeon (lower body) won't be available for the start of the Wild's upcoming five-game road trip, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports Thursday.

Given the timeline provided by general manager Bill Guerin, Spurgeon should probably be expected to miss at least the next two games versus the Blue Jackets and Panthers on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, though it could certainly be longer. Without the veteran blueliner sidelined, the club will likely recall Daemon Hunt from the minors, while Jon Merrill could see the bulk of the extra minutes.

Leddy (lower body) will sit out Thursday's game against the Islanders, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Leddy missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and is considered day-to-day at this time. He has yet to garner a point in four games this season. Pierre-Olivier Joseph will take Leddy's spot in the lineup alongside Matt Kessel on the third pairing.

Petry (upper body) will not be available for Thursday's tilt against the Rangers, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Petry suffered the injury seven days ago Opening Night versus the Penguins. Thursday will mark the third straight game that Petry has missed. The defenseman had three goals and 21 assists in 73 regular-season games for the Red Wings in 2023-24.

Byram collected two assists in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Penguins.

It's the first multi-point performance of the season for Byram, who came into the game with just one assist in four contests. The 23-year-old blueliner has the talent befitting the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, but Byram is behind Rasmus Dahlin (first overall in 2018) and Owen Power (first overall in 2021) in the pecking order for power-play time, limiting his fantasy upside.

Durzi (upper body) has been designated for injured reserve Thursday, per the NHL media site.

Durzi's IR placement shouldn't come as a surprise considering he is out indefinitely due to his upper-body injury. With John Marino (upper body) also sidelined and Robert Bortuzzo (undisclosed) getting hurt against the Ducks on Wednesday, the Utah blue line is getting rather thin. Michael Kesselring and Juuso Valimaki will likely be tasked with picking up significant minutes for the time being.

Forbort has left the Canucks for personal reasons, the team announced Thursday.

Forbort will likely miss the remainder of Vancouver's road trip, keeping him out the next three games. In his stead, Vincent Desharnais should step into the lineup on the third pairing, while Erik Brannstrom has been elevated from the minors in order to provide blue-line depth if needed.

Brannstrom was elevated from AHL Abbotsford on Thursday.

Brannstrom will likely serve as a depth option while Derek Forbort (personal) is away from the team. Vincent Desharnais figures to have the inside track to replacing Forbort in the lineup, leaving Brannstrom relegated to a likely spot in the press box as a healthy scratch.